HC Deb 01 December 1959 vol 614 cc978-9
4. Mr. Lipton

asked the Attorney-General what reasons were given by Mr. Herbert Malone, Q.C., on resigning his appointment as metropolitan magistrate.

The Attorney-General

None; but when Mr. Malone tendered his resignation in 1950, he asked that it should be announced that he had resigned owing to eye trouble.

Mr. Lipton

Has the Attorney-General seen the recent statement published by Mr. Malone to the effect that he was instructed not to cross-examine police witnesses and not to criticise trade unions? Was any mention of this made by Mr. Malone prior to his resignation or not?

The Attorney-General

I have seen recent letters published in the Press signed by Mr. Malone. I repeat my Answer that when he resigned, he gave no reasons for his resignation.

Mr. Lipton

The Minister has not answered my supplementary question. Was he given these instructions?